Simple Is Best When Preparing Your Thanksgiving Turkey

(KNSI) – Butterball says there is a perfect way to roast a turkey.

Javier Reyes works with the company’s Turkey Talk Line, which is busy again fielding questions from cooks across the country. He says representatives have plenty of recommendations, including advice that can help you thaw out your turkey in hours rather than days. Once you begin cooking, though, simplest is best. He recommends using the open-pan roasting method.

“An oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit in a pan that is no more than two inches tall. No basting. It’s a pretty simple method.”

Reyes says the open-pan roasting method will get you the picturesque Thanksgiving table centerpiece along with exquisite taste. Reyes says turkey provides plenty of juice on its own as it is slow-cooked to perfection. He says the amount of time in the oven depends on the bird’s internal temperature, and a meat thermometer is essential.

“You want to check your thigh to get to 180 degrees and that your breast gets to 170 degrees fahrenheit. And if you are stuffing your turkey, that the stuffing gets to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Experts recommend keeping the oven door closed. Chef Andrew Zimmern says up to 50% of the heat inside an oven can be lost when the door gets opened, and “it just keeps setting the clock back.”

Reyes says the company has tried every turkey cooking method there is and can help you with it even if you are trying something other than what they suggest.

The talk line is open until Christmas day. Just call 1-800-BUTTERBALL (288-8372) or text 844-877-3456.